Ex-coaches Joel Banal, Bo Perasol and lawyer Charlie Cuna tipped as candidates for PBA chief
COACHES Joel Banal, Bo Perasol and lawyer/sports commentator Charlie Cuna are being tipped as candidates to become the next PBA commissioner.
Multiple sources who requested anonymity mentioned the names of Messrs. Banal and Perasol, former PBA coaches, and Mr. Cuna, a longtime play-by-play commentator in the PBA games, as the possible successor of Chito Narvasa, who stepped down after two seasons as head of the country’s pro league.
A champion coach in almost every level he handled be it NCAA, UAAP, PBL and PBA, Mr. Banal also had experience running a league when he was tapped as commissioner of the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League.
“His experience being a commissioner and his knowledge in the ins and out of the league makes him a logical choice,” said a board member. “He also runs his own international school, which means he’s capable to handling administrative job.”
Mr. Banal last coached in the PBA in 2012, succeeding longtime Alaska mentor Tim Cone, who then transferred to the San Miguel Corp.-owned Purefoods franchise.
He carries with him an impressive resume as champion coach of Mapua in the NCAA, Ateneo in the UAAP, Casino Rubbing Alcohol and Hapee in the PBL and Talk ’N Text in the PBA.
Mr. Perasol, on the other hand, was a former coach of the Air 21 Express and Powerade Tigers in the PBA, before being appointed to coach Ateneo and now University of the Philippines in the UAAP.
But Mr. Perasol was also a corporate guy, serving as manager of the Airfreight 2100 and took his MBA at Ateneo.
“What’s good about coach Bo is not only his leadership skills, but he also knows how to manage a company. Combining his experience in the PBA and his management skills, these are qualities that would make him a good candidate as next PBA commissioner,” said another source.
Pressed for comments regarding the issue, Messrs. Banal and Perasol, both individuals felt flattered.
“I’m flattered, of course,” said Mr. Banal.
Mr. Perasol could only be thankful he was able to get noticed event after four years removed from the PBA.
“I’m flattered that someone considered me that I could be a good commissioner,” he said.
Mr. Cuna, on the other hand, has been a candidate as early as two years ago when the league was looking for a commissioner who would succeed Chito Salud. —